What Happened to the Church After the Apostles | with Mike Chu and Karla Adcox

In this commentary, John P. Meier provides a critical study of the Gospel of Matthew, exploring how the evangelist reinterprets the Gospel in the context of his own church and its specific problems. The book is structured to guide readers through the narrative of Matthew, covering the prologue, Jesus' proclamation of the kingdom, his mission in Galilee, the opposition he meets, and the climax of his death and resurrection. Meier's work is especially noted for its rich analysis of the bond between Christ and the Church, combining redaction criticism with theological reflection.

The Epistle to the Romans is the sixth book in the New Testament and the longest of Paul's thirteen epistles. Written to the Christian community in Rome—likely from Corinth around AD 56–58—it systematically presents core Christian doctrines including justification by faith, the gift of the Spirit, sanctification, God's sovereignty, and the ethical call to live as a living sacrifice. Paul addresses the sinfulness of all humanity (Jew and Gentile alike), explains salvation through grace rather than works, and outlines the place of Israel in God's plan, making it pivotal for Christian theology on faith, grace, sin, and mission.

Written by St. Athanasius in the 4th century, 'On the Incarnation' is an apologetic treatise that defends the incarnation of Christ against non-believers. Athanasius explains that the Word of God became incarnate to save fallen humanity, arguing that this act was necessary to undo the corruption of sin and restore humanity to its original state in the image of God. The book relies heavily on Scripture and the teachings of the early Church, addressing various objections to the incarnation and emphasizing the divine and human natures of Christ.

1 and 2 Maccabees provide independent accounts of the Maccabean Revolt, a pivotal event in Jewish history. 1 Maccabees offers a detailed historical narrative from the reign of Antiochus IV to the death of Simon Maccabeus, while 2 Maccabees focuses on theological themes and the purification of the Temple. Both books are significant for understanding the origins of Hanukkah and the political and religious context of the time.

Acts of the Apostles, traditionally attributed to Luke, continues the narrative of the Gospel by describing the founding, expansion, and missionary efforts of the early Christian community. It records key events such as Pentecost, the ministry of Peter, the conversion and missions of Paul, and early church councils. Acts is a primary source for understanding how leadership, ordination practices, and apostolic authority developed in the first century. The book highlights how the apostles exercised authority, resolved doctrinal disputes, and authorized ministers for local churches. Scholars and theologians frequently draw on Acts when discussing apostolic succession and the transmission of ecclesial offices.